08/07/2026
We are pleased to announce that our August Resident of the Month is Sonja! Sonja was raised on a farm outside of Decorah, Iowa, with her parents and eight siblings. Growing up in a large family with five brothers and three sisters taught her the value of hard work and family. In her early years, Sonja began working for BB Anniston Publishing Company as a secretary before advancing into a bookkeeping position.
On June 20, 1959, Sonja married her high school classmate, Walter. Together they raised two children, a daughter, Wendy, and a son, Rodney. Sonja is also the proud grandmother of three grandchildren, one granddaughter and two grandsons, whom she loves dearly. One of Sonja's favorite hobbies is playing cribbage each week with her friends. She also enjoyed quilting with the Northeast Iowa Quilters in Decorah. She is especially proud of the beautiful quilts she has created over the years and enjoys displaying them in her apartment.
When asked what she loves most about living in our community, Sonja shared that she enjoys being able to welcome family and friends into her apartment, making it truly feel like home. She says she feels very fortunate to live here and can't think of anything she doesn't like. Most of all, she describes the community as comforting, just like home.
Sonja's words of advice are simple but meaningful "If you have someone you truly like, even outside of your family, listen to everything they talk about. Take little bits from their experiences and carry them with you, they might help you someday. And if you have faith, keep following it."
Congratulations, Sonja, on being our August Resident of the Month! 💛